https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e34291
Received: 13/07/2023 Accepted: 19/08/2023 Published: 01/01/2024
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Revista Científica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIV, rcfcv-e34291
ABSTRACT
It was aimed to determine the effects of udder type on udder traits,
milk yield and some physicochemical properties of Bafra (Chios
× Karayaka) ewes. The lactation length, daily milk yield, lactation
milk yield, and daily average milk yield of ewes were determined. In
addition the udder type were determined, udder and teat traits were
measured. The fat, solid non–fat, protein, lactose, mineral, density,
freezing point, and conductivity values of the milk were determined.
Type 3 udder was observed at the highest rate (37.5%) and Type 5
udders were not detected in ewes. The lactation length, daily, and
lactation milk yield values were calculated as 177.75 days, 868.60 g
and 156.86 kg, respectively. Udder circumference, udder width, udder
depth, right teat length, left teat length, right teat diameter, left teat
diameter, the distance between teats and udder oor height from
the ground was calculated as 40.95 ± 0.63, 12.36 ± 0.30, 16.24 ± 0.40,
2.85 ± 0.09, 2.76 ± 0.09, 1.49 ± 0.03, 1.43 ± 0.04, 15.35 ± 0.23, and
31.88 ± 0.70 cm, respectively. Rates of fat, protein, lactose, solid
non–fat, mineral and also density, freezing point, and conductivity
were calculated at 5.17 ± 0.30, 1039.08 ± 0.31, 6.24 ± 0.05, 11.51 ± 0.10,
0.88 ± 0.009, 1039.08 ± 0.31 g·mL
-1
, -0.80 ± 0.009°C and 5.26 ± 0.03
mS·cm
-1
, respectively. It has been determined that Bafra sheep can
be a suitable breed for breeding in the conditions of Malatya, Province
of Türkiye. However, more scientic research should be done on this
topic and the level of milk production should be improved.
Key words: Bafra sheep; milk yield; physicochemical properties of
milk; udder traits; udder type
RESUMEN
El objetivo fue determinar los efectos del tipo de ubre sobre
las características de la ubre, la producción de leche y algunas
propiedades sicoquímicas de las ovejas Bafra (Chios × Karayaka).
Se determinaron la duración de la lactancia, la producción de leche
diaria, la producción de leche de lactancia y la producción de leche
promedio diaria de las ovejas. Además, se determinó el tipo de ubre y
se midieron las características de la ubre y el pezón. Se determinaron
los valores de grasa, sólidos no grasos, proteínas, lactosa, minerales,
densidad, punto de congelación y conductividad de la leche. La ubre
tipo 3 se observó en la tasa más alta (37,5 %) y las ubres tipo 5 no se
detectaron en las ovejas. Los valores de duración de la lactancia,
diarios y producción de leche de lactancia se calcularon como 177,75
días, 868,60 g y 156,86 kg, respectivamente. La circunferencia de
la ubre, el ancho de la ubre, la profundidad de la ubre, la longitud
del pezón derecho, la longitud del pezón izquierdo, el diámetro del
pezón derecho, el diámetro del pezón izquierdo, la distancia entre
los pezones y la altura del piso de la ubre desde el suelo se calculó
como 40,95 ± 0,63; 12,36 ± 0,30; 16,24 ± 0,40; 2,85 ± 0,09; 2,76 ± 0,09;
1,49 ± 0,03; 1,43 ± 0,04; 15,35 ± 0,23 y 31,88 ± 0,70 cm, respectivamente.
Los niveles o porcentajes de grasa, proteína, lactosa, sólidos no
grasos, minerales y también densidad, punto de congelación y
conductividad se calcularon en 5,17 ± 0,30; 1039,08 ± 0,31; 6,24 ± 0,05;
11,51 ± 0,10; 0,88 ± 0,009, 1039,08 ± 0,31 g·mL
-1
; -0,80 ± 0,009°C y
5,26 ± 0,03 mS·cm
-1
, respectivamente. Se ha determinado que las
ovejas Bafra pueden ser una raza adecuada para reproducirse en las
condiciones de la provincia de Malatya en Turquía. Sin embargo, se
debe hacer más investigación cientíca sobre este tema y se debe
mejorar el nivel de produccion lactea.
Palabras clave: Oveja Bafra; producción de leche; propiedades
sicoquímicas de la leche; características de la
ubre; tipo de ubre
Udder morphology and physicochemical structure of milk in Bafra
(Chios × Karayaka) ewes
Tipo de ubre, características de la ubre y del pezón, y estructura
sicoquímica de la leche en ovejas Bafra (Chios × Karayaka)
İbrahim Şeker
1
, Abdurrahman Köseman
2
* , Selim Kul
3
, Sezgin Koçyiğit
4
, Pınar Şeker
5
1
Fırat University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Zootechny. Elazığ, Türkiye.
2
Malatya Turgut Özal University, Battalgazi Vocational School, Plant and Animal Production Department. Malatya, Türkiye.
3
Yozgat Bozok University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Zootechny. Yozgat, Türkiye.
4
Doğanşehir District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Malatya, Türkiye.
5
Elazig Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Elazığ, Türkiye.
*Corresponding author: abdurrahman.koseman@ozal.edu.tr
Udder morphology and milk composition in Bafra ewes / Şeker et al. _______________________________________________________________
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INTRODUCTION
Sheep (Ovis aries) breeding is the most important source of
livelihood and food security for the majority of the rural population,
especially in developing Countries [1].
Especially in dairy breeds, the morphological structure of the
udder and teat structure, as well as milk yield and characteristics are
extremely important [2]. The knowledge of the relationships between
morphological udder traits would permit to prediction correlated
responses in milk oriented selection schemes [3]. On the other hand,
the physicochemical characteristics of milk are very important as
they affect the quality and determine the processed product/milk
ratio and thus the cost [4].
One of the most important dairy breeds on which research has been
done in Türkiye is the Bafra sheep (Ovis aries). Bafra sheep is a breed
obtained by crossing two different native breeds (Chios × Karayaka).
It was obtain a new breed by combining the ability of the Karayaka
breed to adapt to the conditions of the Black Sea Region and the
meat quality and the high progeny and milk yield characteristics of
the Chios breed [5].
This study was carried out to determine the udder types, udder
traits, milk yield and some physicochemical properties of milk in
Bafra ewes under Malatya Province conditions in Türkiye.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Material
This study was conducted in a sheep farm located in the eastern
Province of Türkiye, Malatya Province, between January and
September 2020. The animal material of the study was arranged
with 40 heads Bafra ewes in 3 years of old with an average weight of
53.7 kg which had a single birth during the 2–3 day period when the
births were concentrated. These animals were selected from 350
ewes out of a total of 600 ewes on the farm.
Methods
The sheep which taken out to pasture during the daytime when
the weather conditions was fed straw and dry grass as roughage in
the last 45 days of pregnancy in addition an average of 500 g barley
and corn mix concentrated feed (16% HP, 2600 kcal·kg
–1
ME) per
animal. Also animal were fed 300 g concentrated feed per animal
in addition to the roughage during the lactation period until they
go out regularly to the pasture (Medicago sativa, Agropyron spp.,
Poa pratensis, Trifolium repens, Festuca ovina, among others, mix).
Births began in mid–January and were completed in early March.
The lambs were kept in the same compartment with their mothers
for three days after birth. During the pasture period, ewes and lambs
were kept together for 3 h during the day and all night long. Dry alfalfa
(Medicago sativa L.) and lamb grower feed was started to be given to
the lambs from the third week and weaning was applied at the age
of 105 days. Ewes were started to be milked one week after birth.
The lactation period and lactation milk yield were followed up with
regular control milking every month starting from the 1st month of
lactation. Milking was done by hand. Control day milk yields were
obtained from the morning and evening milking. The lambs were
separated from their mothers on the day before control day at 20:00.
Milking done at 08:00 on the control day was measured and recorded,
and then this milk was drinked to the lambs with bottles. The lambs
were kept apart from their mothers all day to control milking. After
the evening milking was measured and recorded the lambs were left
with their mothers and this milk was given to the lambs with a bottle.
When the ewes started to be milked below 100 mL during the control
day milking, the follow–up was terminated.
The lactation milk yield was calculated according to the Trapeze II
Method using the daily milk yield values of the control days [6]. The
lactation periods of ewes were calculated according to Berger and
Thomas [7]. Fat (%), solid non–fat (%), density (g·ml
-1
), lactose (%),
mineral (%), protein (%), conductivity (mS·cm
-1
), and freezing point
(°C) analyses of milk were measured by analyzer (Lactoscan MCCWS
3080, Milkotronic LTD, Bulgaria) in the morning and evening milking
on the 30th day of lactation [8]. Measurements of the udder and
teat before morning milking on the 30th day of lactation were made
according to De La Fuente and Türkyılmaz [9] (FIG. 1), and also udders
typing were made using the scheme reported by Epstein [10] (FIG. 2).
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Statistical analysis
The descriptive statistics of the traits examined were calculated
using the obtained data. Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance was
used for non–parametric properties of data pertaining to daily
average milk yield, control day and lactation milk yields, lactation
periods, udder and teat characteristics and some physicochemical
properties of milk, and Bonferroni Mann–Whitney U test was used to
follow up the features determined to be signicant. One–way analysis
of variance (ANOVA) was used for normally distributed parametric
features, followed by Duncan multiple comparison test as a posthoc
test. In addition, the correlation coecients between the lactation
period and milk yield values were calculated by Pearson correlation
analysis [11]. SPSS 22.0 version program was used for this analysis
and calculations [12].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Udder type, lactation length and milk yields of Bafra ewes
Udder type, lactation length and milk yields in Bafra ewes have
been presented in TABLE I.
In this study, type 1 (20.0%), type 2 (7.5%), type 3 (37.5%) type 4
(22.5%), and type 6 (12.5%) udders were determined in Bafra ewes,
while type 5 was never found (TABLE I).
have type 3 udder. Despite the proportional differences between
both studies, it was considered an important similarity that type 1
and type3 udders were detected as the most common types, and
type 5 was not found at all. Udder type 3, which was reported to be
prevalent in Awassi ewes [13], also was similarly found as the highest
rate in this study. This situation was evaluated as positive.
In the study, lactation length (177.75 ± 4.74 days), lactation milk yield
(156.86 ± 10.28 kg), daily average milk yield (868.60 ± 35.55 g), and 30.
day average milk yield (1575.35 ± 103.16 g) was calculated (TABLE I).
In a study, the overall means were detected in sheep from
Akkaraman, Bafra and Bafra × Akkaraman (F1) as 683.61, 849.76 and
753.17 g for daily milk yield, 99.57, 126.40, and 112.52 kg for lactation
milk yield, 133.12, 135.84 and 133.80 days for lactation duration,
respectively [15]. The lactation length and also daily and lactation
milk yield calculated in our study was found to be higher than the
values reported for that study. The differences between the lactation
lengths between the two studies were 45, 43 and 44 days, respectively
for Akkaraman, Bafra and Bafra × Akkaraman (F1) and their rates were
considered to be signicant (25.28, 24.16 and 24.72%, respectively).
The differences between daily milk yields were 184.99, 18.84, and
115.43 g, respectively, the differences between lactation milk yields
were 57.29, 30.46 and 44.34 kg, respectively for Akkaraman, Bafra
and Bafra × Akkaraman (F1). These differences were considered to be
signicant. It is thought that the differences between researchs may
have arisen due to possible differences in genotype, age, and birth
type among sheep, as well as changes in care and feeding conditions
due to climatic differences.
In a study, the average daily milk yield, lactation milk yield, and
lactation length were determined as 677 g, 102.90 kg, and 150 days in
Awassi ewes, respectively [16]. The lactation length and also daily and
lactation milk yield calculated in the present study was found to be
higher than the values reported for that study. The differences between
the two studies were obtained as 191.60 g in daily milk yield, 53.96 kg in
lactation milk yield and 27.75 days in lactation length. These values were
considered to be signicantly. Milk yield on the day of the observation,
total milk yield, and days in milk were assessed signicantly correlated
with nine farmers who were invited by Iñiguez et al. [17] to independently
estimate the hand–milked milk yield performance.
In a study conducted with Lacaunea ewes, it was established that
the studied sheep had a very good milk yield. Ewes had average
220.12 kg of milk for the 150 day milking period [18]. In another study
on different breeds was conducted, average daily milk yields were
0.604 ± 0.279 kg (Tsigai), 0.595 ± 0.243 kg (Improved Valachian), and
1.053 ± 0.475 kg (Lacaune) [19]. The milk yield calculated in our study
was found to be higher than the values reported in these studies
except for Lacaune. This may be due to the different breeds, genotype
characteristics of the sheep, and the possibility of better care, and
feeding conditions. Because, various environmental factors such
as breed, age, lactation number, year, birth type, lambing season,
lambing frequency, rearing system, care and feeding conditions affect
signicantly milk yield and lactation period in sheep [20].
Characteristics of udder and teats in Bafra ewes
Characteristics of udder and teats in Bafra ewes have been
presented in TABLE II.
In this study, udder circumference (40.95 ± 0.63 cm), udder width
(12.36 ± 0.30 cm), udder depth (16.24 ± 0.40 cm), distance between teats
TABLE I
n %
Type 1 8 20.0
Type 2 3 7.5
Type 3 15 37.5
Type 4 9 22.5
Type 5 – –
Type 6 5 12.5
Total 40 100
p **
Lactation length and milk yields (n=40)
Lactation length
(day)
Lactation milk yield
(kg)
Daily average milk
yield (g)
Average milk yield
(30 day) (g)
177.75 ± 4.74 156.86 ± 10.28 868.60 ± 35.55 1575.35 ± 103.16
**:
P<0.01
In a study conducted by Kaygısız and Dağ [13] in Awassi ewes, Type
1 (31%), Type 2 (1%), type 3 (42%), type 4 (3%) and type 6 (23%) udder
types were determined. In both studies, type 3 udders were found to
be high and type 2 udders were found to be a low ratio. In addition,
the absence of type 5 udders in Bafra and Awassi sheep is a similar
situation. It is thought that this similarity may be related to the fact
that both breeds are dairy.
In a study conducted by Özyürek [14], it was found that 23.5% of
Morkaraman and 25% of Awassi have type I udder, while the others
Udder morphology and milk composition in Bafra ewes / Şeker et al. _______________________________________________________________
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(15.35 ± 0.23 cm), udder oor height from ground (31.88 ± 0.70 cm), teat
length–right (2.85 ± 0.09 cm), teat length–left (2.76 ± 0.09 cm), teat
diameter–right (1.49 ± 0.03 cm) and teat diameter–left (1.43 ± 0.04 cm)
was calculated (TABLE II).
Özyürek [14] reported that the measurements of Awassi ewes were
as follows: udder circumference 37.61 cm, udder width 11.33 cm, udder
depth 12.13 cm, the distance between teats 12.33 cm, right teat length
1.47 cm, left teat length 1.46 cm, right teat diameter 1.38 cm and left
teat diameter 1.36 cm. In another study conducted by Seker et al. [16],
udder circumference 40.70 cm, udder depth 14.40 cm, the distance
between teats 16.10 cm, right udder length 4.20 cm, and right teat
diameter 2.30 cm were determined in Awassi ewes. Panayotov et al.
[18] concluded that udder circumference 41.46 cm, udder width 12.35
cm, udder depth 16.85 cm, the distance between teats 15.78 cm and
teat length was 2.70 cm in Lacaune ewes.
In the current study, the measures determined factors [udder
circumference, udder depth, the distance between teats, udder oor
height from the ground, right teat length, left teat right, right teat
diameter and left teat diameter) discussed were found to be higher
than Özyürek [14]. The measures of the distance between teats, right
teat length and right teat diameter were found to be less than Seker et
al. [16]. Udder width, udder depth, the distance between teats, right
teat length and left teat right measures were found approximately in
the current study and Panayotov et al. [18].
It is thought that the differences detected between the ndings of
the current study, and other studies’ ndings may be due to genotype,
age, lactation number, birth type, lactation period, and the care and
feeding conditions.
In the study, left teat length and right teat length; left teat diameter
and left teat length, right teat diameter; udder circumference and right
teat length, left teat length, right teat diameter, left teat diameter;
udder width and right teat length, left teat length, udder circumference;
udder depth and right teat length, udder circumference; distance
between teats and right teat length, udder circumference, udder width,
udder depth correlations coecients were observed to be positive
and statistically signicantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). Also, right teat length
and udder type; left teat length and udder type; udder depth and udder
type; distance between teats and udder type; udder oor height from
the ground and right teat length, right teat diameter, udder depth
correlations coecients were observed to be negative and statistically
signicantly (P<0.05, P<0.01) (TABLE II).
In a study conducted on Tuj sheep, signicant positive correlations
(P<0.05, P<0.01) were established between udder circumference
and udder depth, udder circumference and teat diameter, udder
TABLE II
40.95 ± 0.63 12.36 ± 0.30 16.24 ± 0.40 15.35 ± 0.23 31.88 ± 0.70 2.85 ± 0.09 2.76 ± 0.09 1.49 ± 0.03 1.43 ± 0.04
UW
RTL -0.48**
LTL -0.33* 0.74**
RTD -0.14 0.31 0.19
LTD -0.04 0.31 0.38* 0.74**
UC -0.19 0.46** 0.49** 0.42** 0.44**
UW -0.17 0.43** 0.45** 0.06 0.15 0.65**
UD -0.40* 0.42** 0.18 0.27 0.20 0.37* 0.29
DBT -0.31* 0.32* 0.20 0.23 0.26 0.48** 0.42** 0.69**
UFHG 0.27 -0.42** -0.26 -0.36* -0.25 -0.17 -0.21 -0.38* –0.25
UW
Type 1 3.13 ± 0.07
B
2.89 ± 0.11
B
1.58 ± 0.06 1.44 ± 0.08 41.00 ± 1.44 11.94 ± 0.59
AB
17.94 ± 1.08 16.06 ± 0.33 28.63 ± 1.34
A
Type 2 2.73 ± 0.32
B
2.50 ± 0.29
AB
1.37 ± 0.15 1.30 ± 0.11 40.00 ± 2.52 12.33 ± 0.67
AB
15.33 ± 0.33 15.00 ± 1.00 38.00 ± 1.73
B
Type 3 3.00 ± 0.14
B
2.91 ± 0.15
B
1.50 ± 0.04 1.51 ± 0.06 42.20 ± 1.16 13.00 ± 0.55
B
16.63 ± 0.57 15.53 ± 0.35 31.07 ± 0.85
A
Type 4 2.84 ± 0.18
B
2.82 ± 0.18
B
1.41 ± 0.06 1.36 ± 0.08 40.78 ± 0.97 12.78 ± 0.57
B
15.33 ± 0.80 15.06 ± 0.68 33.11 ± 0.95
A
Type 6 2.06 ± 0.26
A
2.12 ± 0.12
A
1.50 ± 0.13 1.42 ± 0.12 38.00 ± 1.45 10.40 ± 0.24
A
14.50 ± 0.84 14.40 ± 0.40 33.60 ± 3.19
AB
p * * – – – * * * *
Total 2.85 ± 0.09 2.76 ± 0.09 1.49 ± 0.03 1.43 ± 0.04 40.95 ± 0.63 12.36 ± 0.30 16.24 ± 0.40 15.35 ± 0.23 31.88 ± 0.70
UC: Udder circumference (cm), UW: Udder width (cm), UD: Udder depth (cm), DBT: Distance between teats (cm), UFHG: Udder oor height from ground (cm), RTL: Right teat
length (cm), LTL: Left teat length (cm), RTD: Right teat diameter (cm), LTD: Left teat diameter (cm).
A,B
: Dierences between means with dierent letters in the same column are
signicant (
P<0.05). –: P>0.05, *: P<0.05, **: P<0.01
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circumference and udder width, udder depth and teat diameter, udder
depth and udder width, teat length and teat diameter, teat diameter
and udder width, udder bottom height and udder upper height, udder
upper height and udder width at the 70
th
and 100
th
days of lactation [21].
In another study conducted in Bafra ewes, correlation coecients
were generally high and positive for udder depth, width and
circumference; were found to be high and negative for the distance
between the teats height from the ground [22].
In the present study, the correlation coecients between the
factors determined on udder type, udder and teat traits were found
not to be same as Sarı et al. [21] but the correlation coecients for
udder depth, width and circumference were found higher and positive
than Ünal et al. [22].
It is thought that there are differences detected because udder
morphology characteristics are affected by various factors such as
race, age, lactation period, season, milking system, and nutrition.
In the study, it was determined that the effect of udder types (type
1, type 2, type 3, type 4 and type 6) on the udder width, udder oor
height from the ground, right teat length and left teat length were
found to be signicantly (P<0.05). But, the effect of udder types on
the udder circumference, udder depth, distance between teats, right
teat diameter and left teat diameter were not found to be signicant
(P>0.05) (TABLE II).
In a study conducted Ünal et al. [22], the effect of udder type
on udder width, udder circumference and distance between teats
were found to be signicant (P<0.01, P<0.05). Also in another study
conducted Sarı et al. [21], the effect of the udder type on udder width
was found statistically important (P<0.05). It can be said that the
lactation period and duration, the mechanical effects of milking or
sucking on the udder and changing hormonal effects are the main
factors that play a role in the udder and teat traits.
In the study, it was determined that type 1 udder had the highest
measurement in terms of udder depth, the distance between teats,
right teat length, right and left teat diameter. Also, type 3 udder had
the highest measurement in terms of udder circumference, udder
width and left teat lengt. On the other hand, type 6 udder had the
lowest measurement in terms of udder circumference, udder width,
udder depth, and the distance between teats, right and left teat
length. Also, type 2 udder had the lowest measurement in terms of
right and left teat diameter (TABLE II).
In a study conducted by Özbaşer and Akçapınar [20] to determine
some yield characteristics of Acıpayam (25% East Friesian + 50% Awassi
+ 25% Dağlıç) sheep under Central Anatolian conditions in Türkiye, four
udder types (Type1, Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4) was determined and
their rates were respectively 8.86, 59.49, 26.58, and 5.07%. However,
a study conducted by Kaygısız and Dağ [13] was determined the most
common udder type being Type 3 in Awassi ewes. In Acıpayam sheep,
although Type 2 is the most common udder type in the herd, the highest
milk yield was obtained from sheep with Type 4 udder.
In terms of the means of udder and teat traits, it can be said that the
most suitable udders are type 1 and type 3, and the most unsuitable
udders are type 6 in Bafra ewes.
Physicochemical properties of milk
Physicochemical properties of milk in Bafra ewes have been
presented in TABLE III.
In these study, fat (5.17 ± 0.30%), protein (1039.08 ± 0.31%), lactose
(6.24 ± 0.05%), solid non–fat (11.51 ± 0.10%), mineral (0.88 ± 0.009%),
dencity (1039.08 ± 0.31 g·ml
-1
), freezing point (–0.80 ± 0.009°C) and
conductivity (5.26 ± 0.03 mS·cm
-1
) were calculated (TABLE III).
In a study, the overall means in sheep from Akkaraman, Bafra and
Bafra × Akkaraman (F1) were found as 5.85, 5.44 and 5.67% for fat;
5.09; 5.02 and 5.03% for protein; 4.89; 5.04 and 5,02% for lactose;
16.81; 16.42 and 16.67% for dry matter, respectively [15]. It was
established that in a study, the milk of Lacaune ewes had a very high
content of fat (7.60%), protein (7.09%) and dry matter (20.06%) [18]. In
another study conducted on Awassi sheep, the fat was 6.06 ± 0.21%,
the protein was 3.77 ± 0.05%, the lactose was 5.73 ± 0.07%, the dry
matter was 10.66 ± 0.13%, the mineral was 0.79 ± 0.01%. In addition,
it was calculated that density was 1.035 ± 0.00 g·mL
-1
, freezing point
-0.75 ± 0.02°C, and conductivity 5.04 ± 0.02 ms·cm
-1
[8]. In addition,
protein, fat, lactose, and solid non–fat were found at 5.20–5.30, 5.70–
6.10, 4.90–5.30, and 11.00–11.40%, in Awassi ewes, respectively [23].
Also in Dorper sheep, protein, fat, lactose, solid non–fat, and freezing
point were 5.45%, 8.09%, 5.22%, 11.13%, and -0.58°C were reported,
respectively [24].
In the current study, the calculated fat was found to be lower but
the lactose was higher than the values reported by Şeker et al. [8],
Kahraman and Yüceer Özkul [15], Panayotov et al. [18], Çelik and Özdemir
[23] and also Tarazona et al. [24]. Protein was found to be lower than
the values reported by Kahraman and Yüceer Özkul [15], Panayotov et
al. [18], Çelik and Özdemir [23] and also Tarazona et al. [24] but rate was
to be higher than the value reported by Şeker et al. [8]. Solid non–fat
rate was found to be lower than the values reported by Kahraman and
Yüceer Özkul [24] and Panayotov et al. [18] but the rate was found higher
than the values reported by Şeker et al. [8], Çelik and Özdemir [23] and
also Tarazona et al. [24]. In addition, mineral, density and conductivity
calculated in the present study were found to be higher than the values
reported by Şeker et al. [8]. The freezing point was found to be higher
than the values reported by Şeker et al. [8] and Tarazona et al. [24].
Some researchers reported that the lactation period, like many genetic
and environmental factors, affected some physicochemical properties
of milk [4]. The fat content of milk is a component that changes the
most in milk composition depending on environmental factors such as
care and nutrition [25]. There is a negative correlation between milk
fat and lactose and between milk protein and lactose [23]. Considering
the literature information, it is thought that the differences between
researches may have arisen due to possible differences in genotype,
age, and birth type among sheep, as well as changes in care and feeding
conditions due to climatic differences.
In the study, solid non–fat and fat; density and solid non fat; protein
and fat, solid non–fat; lactose and fat, solid non–fat, density, protein;
mineral and solid non–fat, density, protein, lactose; freezing point and
fat, solid non–fat, density, protein, lactose, mineral; conductivity and
fat, solid non–fat, protein, lactose, mineral, freezing point correlations
coecients were observed to be positive and statistically signicantly
(P<0.05, P<0.01) (TABLE III).
Contrary to these ndings, in a study conducted by Sarı et al. [21] in
Tuj ewes, signicant correlations were found between solid non–fat
and density, solid non–fat and lactose, solid non–fat and mineral,
Udder morphology and milk composition in Bafra ewes / Şeker et al. _______________________________________________________________
6 of 8
density and lactose, density and mineral, and lactose and mineral. The
ndings obtained in our study are also different from those obtained
in the study of Karakuş and Ilyas [26]. In Karakuş and Ilyas [26] study
on Awassi ewes, a negative and weak correlation was determined
between fat and solid non–fat. The correlations of fat and protein,
and lactose were positive but weak. On the other hand, solid non–fat
had positive and signicant (P<0.05), and the content of protein was
correlated with lactose (P<0.01).
In this study, right teat length and fat, density, protein; left teat
length and fat, solid non–fat, density, protein, lactose; udder width
and solid non–fat, lactose correlations coecients were determined
to be positive and statistically signicant (P<0.05, P<0.01) Also, teat
lengths (right and left) and mineral, freezing point were determined
to be negative and statistically signicant (P<0.05) (TABLE III).
In a study conducted by Karakuş and Ilyas [26] on Awassi sheep,
positive and negative but very weak correlations were found between
udder measurements and milk composition characteristics. Similar
to our study, a high correlation was found between left teat length
and solid non–fat of milk (P<0.05).
In a study conducted by Türkyılmaz et al. [27] in Morkaraman sheep,
similar to the ndings in the present study, a positively correlation
was observed between the udder dept and solid non–fat, density,
protein, lactose, ash, and also udder width and fat, solid non–fat,
lactose, density, protein, lactose, ash (P<0.05, P<0.01).
TABLE III
F
F
0.50**
0.07 0.87**
0.48** 0.99** 0.86**
0.49** 0.99** 0.87** 0.99**
0.22 0.83** 0.84** 0.84** 0.84**
-0.67** -0.97** -0.72** -0.96** -0.96** -0.75**
-0.50** -0.42** -0.19 -0.41** -0.42** -0.36* 0.51**
F
0.34* 0.28 0.33* 0.33* 0.25 -0.34* -0.34* -0.26
0.46** 0.53** 0.46** 0.47** 0.44** -0.38* -0.38* -0.13
-0.13 -0.13 -0.17 -0.13 -0.16 0.12 0.12 -0.06
0.05 0.12 0.02 0.06 0.02 -0.01 -0.01 -0.08
-0.06 0.12 -0.07 -0.03 -0.01 0.16 0.16 0.12
UW 0.23 0.40* 0.21 0.24 0.33* -0.11 -0.11 0.06
0.02 -0.18 -0.01 0.03 -0.01 -0.12 -0.12 -0.10
-0.14 -0.15 -0.16 -0.12 -0.10 0.13 0.13 -0.01
-0.15 0.04 -0.11 -0.14 0.01 0.23 0.23 0.22
F
Type 1 6.06 ± 0.53
B
11.44 ± 0.12 1038.18 ± 0.48 4.09 ± 0.04 6.19 ± 0.06 0.88 ± 0.02 -0.81 ± 0.01 5.23 ± 0.06
AB
Type 2 3.63 ± 0.24
A
11.20 ± 0.17 1038.77 ± 0.79 4.00 ± 0.06 6.07 ± 0.09 0.87 ± 0.03 -0.77 ± 0.01 5.40 ± 0.06
B
Type 3 6.00 ± 0.58
B
11.77 ± 0.20 1039.71 ± 0.64 4.19 ± 0.08 6.38 ± 0.11 0.90 ± 0.02 -0.83 ± 0.02 5.13 ± 0.06
A
Type 4 3.66 ± 0.21
A
11.32 ± 0.18 1039.17 ± 0.68 4.04 ± 0.06 6.13 ± 0.10 0.88 ± 0.02 -0.78 ± 0.02 5.42 ± 0.04
B
Type 6 4.90 ± 0.60
AB
11.38 ± 0.16 1038.64 ± 0.37 4.06 ± 0.07 6.16 ± 0.07 0.86 ± 0.02 -0.79 ± 0.02 5.34 ± 0.04
B
p ** – – – – – – **
Total
5.17 ± 0.30 11.51 ± 0.10 1039.08 ± 0.31 4.11 ± 0.04 6.24 ± 0.05 0.88 ± 0.01 –0.80 ± 0.01 5.26 ± 0.03
UT: Udder Type, RTL : Right teat length (cm), LTL: Left teat length (cm), RTD: Right teat diameter (cm), LTD: Left teat diameter (cm), UC: Udder circumference (cm), UW: Udder width (cm),
UD: Udder depth (cm), DBT: Distance between teats (cm), UFHG: Udder oor height from ground(cm), F: Fat (%), SNF : Solid non–fat (%), D: Density (g·ml
-1
), P: Protein (%), L: Lactose (%), S:
Mineral (%), FP: Freezing point (°C), C: Conductivity (mS·cm
-1
). A,B: Dierences between means with dierent letters in the same column are signicant (P<0.05). –: P>0.05, *: P<0.05, **: P<0.01
______________________________________________________________________Revista Cientifica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIV, rcfcv-e34291
7 of 8
In the study, it was determined that the effect of udder types (type
1, type 2, type 3, type 4 and type 6) on fat and conductivity was found
to be signicant (P<0.05). But, the effect of solid non–fat, density,
protein, lactose, mineral, and freezing point were not found to be
signicant (P>0.05) (TABLE III).
In this study, the effect of udder types on milk physicochemical
properties except fat and conductivity were not found to be signicant,
similar to studies of Şeker et al. [8], Özyürek [14], Sarı et al. [21].
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the limited research available on udder type, udder
and teat characteristics, and milk physicochemical structure in Bafra
ewes allowed limited comparison of these research ndings with
other studies of the same race. However, it can be said that Bafra
sheep bred under the conditions of the Eastern Anatolia Region, show
better characteristics, especially in terms of milk yield and lactation
period, compared to many different breeds in which the ndings are
compared. Detection of the highest number of Type 3 udders in Bafra
sheep is considered favorable in terms of milking characteristics.
In addition to these, albeit limited, important positive and negative
correlations among some of the udder and teat characteristics and
milk's physicochemical components were determined.
As a result; it has been concluded that Bafra sheep are a breed that
can be recommended for breeding in terms of the udder traits, milk
yield and some physicochemical properties of milk in the conditions
of the Malatya province of Türkiye. As well as more scientic research
and improving milk yield should be done.
Ethical statement
The study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the
Experimental Animals of the Malatya Provincial Directorate of Agriculture
and Forestry in Türkiye (2020/73919507–280.01.01–E.907632).
Conict of interest statement
The authors declare there is no conict of interest.
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